In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan sits down with Kate Kotecki, owner of Kotecki's Grandview Grove, a renowned wedding venue in New York. Kate shares her family's deep roots in the wedding industry, starting with her father’s catering business, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of running a wedding venue. She opens up about the unique challenges of living on-site, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating client expectations. The discussion also covers key topics like effective staffing strategies, the role of community support, and evolving industry trends. For aspiring venue owners, Kate offers practical advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, respect, and building meaningful client relationships.

About Our Guest: 

Kate Kotecki, a second-generation entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Kotecki's Grandview Grove, a beloved family-owned wedding venue. As a devoted mother of three and a passionate venue owner, Kate seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and resilience into every wedding experience. Her journey, marked by overcoming challenges and a commitment to growth, reflects her dedication to both personal and professional excellence.

At Kotecki's Grandview Grove, the focus is on more than just planning weddings—it’s about creating lifelong memories. Under Kate's leadership, the venue combines traditional charm with modern elegance, tailoring every detail to reflect each couple’s unique style and vision.

The venue itself serves as a canvas for love stories to unfold. From the picturesque gardens perfect for exchanging vows to the grand halls designed for joyous celebrations, every space at Kotecki’s is thoughtfully curated to deliver unforgettable moments for couples and their guests.

Find Her Here: 

Tel: (716) 674-2287

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.koteckis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koteckis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Koteckis/

Address: 4685 Seneca Street, West Seneca, New York 14224

In this episode of The Venue Rx podcast, host Jonathan Aymin interviews Kasie Romagno, the owner of The Armory Arts, a modern industrial venue in the heart of the Poconos. Kasie shares her journey from teaching to managing a wedding venue, drawing on her family's entrepreneurial roots in the concert and real estate industries. She reflects on the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of maintaining low overhead costs, and the unique dynamics of running a family business. Kasie also discusses the value of clear client communication, the balance between aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency, and her vision for future growth in the wedding industry.

About Our Guest: 

Kasie's venue is more than just a space—it’s a piece of history, lovingly restored and transformed into an ideal setting for special occasions. Originally built in 1929, the building once served as the East Stroudsburg Armory, housing the National Guard and playing a significant role in the nation’s history. Today, it stands as one of only two nationally recognized historic buildings in East Stroudsburg, where the past is preserved and new memories are created.

What was once a shooting range on the lower level has been beautifully repurposed into a serene fern wall ceremony space—a lush, green oasis that provides a stunning backdrop for exchanging vows. The officer’s lounge, once a space for military leaders to strategize, has been reimagined as a luxurious bridal suite, offering a private and elegant area for preparations.

Kasie's connection to this venue is deeply personal, as it was initially created for her own wedding. Every detail was thoughtfully designed, blending the building’s rich history with a passion for hosting unforgettable events. As a family-owned business, the venue is dedicated to ensuring each wedding is truly special, offering a personalized experience that reflects the unique needs and vision of every couple.

Find Them Here: 

Website: https://thearmoryevents.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sightseedesign/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thearmoryevents/

In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Beau Davis, a driving force behind the development and management of venues in Lake Elsinore, California. Beau recounts his inspiring journey from the service industry to revitalizing venue spaces in the community, with a spotlight on Launch Pointe—a unique resort-style wedding venue and campground. The conversation dives into the remarkable growth of Lake Elsinore, the innovative strategies employed at Launch Pointe, and the vital role of community engagement. Beau also shares his insights on the power of delegation and collaboration, highlighting the importance in scaling operations and expanding to multiple locations.

About Our Guest: 

Beau Davis serves as the Community Services Assistant Director for the City of Lake Elsinore and the General Manager of Launch Pointe, where he leads diverse programs and teams dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for residents and visitors alike. Beau oversees initiatives such as park development, recreational programming, and community engagement efforts, all aimed at fostering vibrant spaces and meaningful connections within the community. His deep commitment to community growth and relationship-building reflects his passion and extensive experience in the field.

Launch Pointe is Southern California’s premier destination for unforgettable events, whether you’re planning a dream wedding, family reunion, or corporate retreat. Nestled along the Lake Elsinore waterfront, Launch Pointe offers a variety of overnight accommodations and recreational activities that guarantee your guests a fun, unique, and memorable experience.

Find Them Here: 

Tel: 951-674-3124, ext. 405

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://csevenues.com/launch-pointe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchpointeweddings/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launchpointeweddings/

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin explores the concept of a venue's "DNA"—the distinctive traits and selling points that make a venue unique. Designed for aspiring venue owners and those in the early stages of their business, Jonathan presents a ten-step framework to identify and capitalize on these defining features. He highlights key aspects such as location, architectural design, amenities, historical significance, operational values, and brand identity. By understanding and leveraging these elements, venue owners can differentiate themselves in a competitive market and attract more clients effectively.

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Joshua Pniewski of Forever Farms Winery for a candid discussion about the realities of owning and managing a wedding venue. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the significant effort and intricate logistics involved, revealing that venue ownership is much more than simply hosting events.

He dives into the challenges such as navigating zoning regulations, managing demanding clients, and addressing the impact of negative reviews. Joshua also tackles financial misconceptions about venue costs and highlights the importance of implementing effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he shares his experience integrating winery operations with the wedding venue, offering a unique perspective on balancing both aspects of the business.

About Our Guest: 

Joshua Pniewski is the owner of Forever Farms, a family-owned winery and private event venue located on 32 picturesque acres in Medina County, Ohio. Forever Farms specializes in creating customized wedding experiences in a rustic yet elegant barn setting, complete with amenities like a bridal suite and groom's lounge. The property also features over 600 blueberry bushes, adding unique charm to the venue's scenic surroundings.

In addition to hosting weddings and private events, Forever Farms produces a selection of wines, including distinctive blueberry and strawberry fruit wines, reflecting the farm's commitment to quality and local produce. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and even participate in winemaking classes, making it a destination for both celebrations and wine enthusiasts. With its serene backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes, Forever Farms offers an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Find Them Here: 

Phone: (330) 667-0266

Website: https://foreverfarmsohio.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foreverfarmsoh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfarms/ 

Address: 8109 Branch Rd, Medina, OH, United States, Ohio

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin is joined by Lindsay Barrows, a dynamic entrepreneur in the wedding industry. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from an unexpected start in entrepreneurship to successfully managing three wedding venues and an event planning company. She reflects on overcoming challenges during the 2008 recession and emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and effective delegation. Lindsay dives into her operational philosophy of "automate, eliminate, and delegate," offering actionable insights for streamlining business processes. She also underscores the value of continuous learning, leveraging podcasts, and staying ahead with innovative marketing strategies. She provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to run a thriving wedding business.

About Our Guest: 

Lindsay Barrows, CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Custom Love Gifts & Events, has been a prominent figure in the wedding industry since 2010. In addition to founding Custom Love, she has established five other businesses within the wedding field, including All in the Details Event Planning, Something Borrowed by CLG Event Rentals, Mountain Mist Farm Wedding Venue, Wildflower Event Center, and The Loyston at Coppertop Estates. Lindsay is a professional speaker, having presented six times at the Wedding MBA Conference and the Event Industry Expo. She holds an MBA and a secondary Master’s degree in Human Resources from West Virginia University. She is also a Board Member of the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association. Lindsay is passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences, with her favorite moments being the First Look and seeing the wedding dress a client chooses. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her two daughters, cats, cheese, and her husband.

Find Her Here: 

Tel: 865.269.6705

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.customlovegifts.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLOVEgifts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customlovegifts/?hl=en

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@customlovegifts?_t=8kWATatwWPm&_r=1

In this episode, Jonathan dives into the power of scarcity as a sales strategy to increase wedding bookings at venues. He examines different types of scarcity, including fear-driven examples like the toilet paper rush during COVID, seasonal phenomena like pumpkin spice lattes, and exclusivity-based scarcity, which he highlights as particularly effective for wedding venues. Jonathan breaks down several scarcity tactics: quantity-based (limited availability of dates), time-sensitive (short-term offers), social proof (leveraging testimonials), geographical (emphasizing unique venue features), and seasonal (adjusting pricing strategies). He highlights the importance of transparent communication and educating couples about wedding costs to foster urgency and drive bookings.

In this episode of The Venue Rx podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes Dana Kadwell, a seasoned venue owner and educator, to discuss her transition from hands-on management to strategic leadership. Dana explores how adapting to shifting client expectations and implementing structured processes have been key to her success. She shares insights on effective hiring, delegation, and the importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, Dana offers actionable advice on balancing a personal touch with operational efficiency and creating a collaborative, transparent team culture for sustainable growth in the events industry.

About Our Guest: 

Dana Kadwell began her career teaching high school chemistry and physics before discovering her true passion in the events and hospitality industry. Today, she co-owns and operates three successful event businesses and leads Hustle & Gather, a consulting firm she runs with her sister, Courtney. Together, they also host the Hustle & Gather Podcast, sharing strategies for building profitable businesses and thriving teams.

As a speaker, Dana specializes in company culture and personal growth, drawing on her ability to connect with others, simplify complex ideas, and leverage her keen organizational skills. Over the past 15 years, she and Courtney have built thriving businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, earning accolades like NACE National Member of the Year.

Through Hustle & Gather, Dana inspires entrepreneurs to dream big, take bold leaps, and create impactful teams, helping hospitality businesses increase profitability while fostering a culture that’s both enjoyable and productive.

Find Her Here: 

Website: https://www.hustleandgather.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hustleandgather/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-gather-podcast-consulting

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In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Katherine Montes, the owner of Continuum Art, a multi-functional event space and art gallery in downtown Hendersonville. Katherine shares her journey of transforming a historic warehouse into a vibrant hub that blends art, events, and tattoo studios. She discusses her approach to pricing, event management, and balancing the creative and operational aspects of her business. Katherine also sheds light on the challenges she’s faced, from preserving the integrity of the artwork during events to navigating leasing and permitting hurdles. Her story provides valuable insights into the complexities of running a multi-purpose venue and highlights the importance of adaptability and building strong community connections.

About Our Guest: 

Katherine Montes is the owner of Continuum Art in Hendersonville, NC, a creative and versatile space that combines an art gallery, event venue, and tattoo studio. As a practicing artist herself, Katherine specializes in Neo-Traditional and Realism tattoo designs, offering custom commissions and pre-designed art pieces. Her studio within Continuum reflects her artistic passions and commitment to creativity. 

In addition to her tattoo artistry, Katherine actively engages with the local community through events such as "Drink & Draw," where she leads art classes that cater to both beginners and advanced participants. These events highlight her dedication to fostering a welcoming and inspiring environment for artistic expression​. 

Find Them Here: 

Tel: 828-435-3300

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.continuumartnc.com/studios/rentals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContinuumArtNC/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/continuumtattoo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAs6wFN97kRlEDbh_mRtjTg

In this episode, Jonathan shares key insights from his experience at Wedding MBA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reflecting as both an attendee and exhibitor, he highlights three essential takeaways:

https://www.wevahub.com